Mallon launches consultation on Sydenham to Holywood walking and cycling routes

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has launched a public consultation seeking views on proposed active travel routes between Sydenham and Holywood.

Launching the consultation today Minister Mallon said:

“In June 2021 I published ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’, setting out my ambition to make Belfast a more cycle-friendly city and provide a blueprint for the development and operation of the cycling infrastructure in the city for the next ten years.  It proposed a number of active travel routes between Belfast and North Down.

“I recognise that a route for walking, wheeling and cycling from Sydenham to Holywood is of importance to many people and I am keen to progress this.  I am seeking views on which of the proposed routes the public would like to see delivered in the short term and which will encourage more walking and cycling.

“As well as the routes from the Belfast Cycling Network, I would also like to hear views on a potential upgrade to the existing cycling track on the Sydenham Bypass.

“I am committed to improving our walking and cycling infrastructure which allows us to better connect communities, improve our health and wellbeing and also tackle the climate crisis.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest or view on this subject to respond to the consultation.

“I intend to publish the implementation plan for the Belfast Cycling Network next month.”

Further details on the consultation including maps of the proposed routes are available at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-sydenham-holywood-walking-wheeling-and-cycling-routes

Responses to the consultation may also be provided via email to: activetravel@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

The consultation will close on 1 April 2022.

Notes to editors: 

1. There are three route options which form the basis of the public consultation;

• Option 1 – A  path along the railway from Sydenham through Holywood Exchange (red);
• Option 2 – A path along Holywood Road through Holywood Exchange (green); and
• Option 3 – Upgrading the cycling route alongside the Sydenham Bypass (blue).

2. Each of the proposed routes is between 4.0 and 4.8km long.  They start at the underpass vehicular entrance to Victoria Park and terminate near Kinnegar, Holywood.  The routes would also provide a link between the existing Comber and Connswater Greenways and Holywood Exchange and the North Down Coastal Path.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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